The Effects of Some Pesticides on Pollen Germination of Begonia semperflorens

Abstract

The effects of some pesticides (Roundup, Basudin 60 EM, Cupravit Ob 21) on in vitro pollen germination, pollen tube growth and pollen structure in Begonia semperflorens was investigated in two different media (basic medium: 20% sucrose+0.01% H3BO3 and modified medium: 10% sucrose, 0.01% H3BO3, 0.01% CaCl2, 0.02% MgSO4-7H2O, 0.01% KH2PO4). The concentrations 150, 300 and 600 p.p.m. were used for each pesticide. Addition of Basudin 60 EM completely inhibited pollen germination in basic medium but germination was observed in modified medium. Addition of Cupravit Ob 21, Roundup and Basudin 60 EM to basic and modified media was led to a reduction on pollen tube length and abnormal pollen tube formations were observed when compared with control group.